We might inhale lung-penetrating microplastics daily!

Microplastics are now so widespread that they have been found almost everywhere we look – including the air inside our homes and cars. New research suggests that everyday indoor environments may expose people to far more tiny, lung-penetrating plastic particles than previously realised, raising fresh concerns about long-term health effects.

Scientists examining indoor air have discovered that most airborne microplastics are extremely small, fine enough to be breathed deep into the lungs without us noticing. Unlike larger particles, these microscopic fragments are invisible to the naked eye and can linger in enclosed spaces such as living rooms and vehicle cabins, where people spend a large proportion of their time.

This matters because inhaled microplastics may not simply stay in the lungs. Researchers are increasingly concerned that these particles could trigger inflammation, interfere with the immune system and carry harmful chemical additives into the bloodstream. While the full health impact is still being investigated, the findings suggest that indoor air could be a major and previously underestimated source of microplastic exposure.

Simple steps such as regular ventilation, reducing synthetic materials where possible, and keeping interiors clean may help limit exposure. More broadly, the study adds to growing evidence that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but a potential everyday health concern.